- The CNG leader called for a shift from government-led approaches to society-based solutions
Northern Nigerian youths, under the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), have expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions in the region, citing the impact of naira devaluation, inflation, fuel subsidy removal, rising electricity tariffs, and escalating insecurity.
Speaking at a one-day community engagement programme in Katsina on Saturday, CNG President Jamilu Charanchi said the country “is no longer working,” with formal and informal institutions failing to address the growing challenges. He highlighted that many people in northern Nigeria struggle to afford even one meal a day, let alone three.
“Insecurity is walking with two legs in the northern part of the country,” Charanchi stated, lamenting the dire situation. He noted that northern leaders have not taken meaningful steps to resolve the issues, prompting the CNG to initiate community-driven solutions to address the region’s socio-economic challenges.
Charanchi outlined the region’s struggles, including drug abuse, youth unrest, collapsing social values, and widespread poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy. Despite its rich cultural heritage and resources, northern Nigeria remains one of the least developed regions in the country.
The CNG leader called for a shift from government-led approaches to society-based solutions, encouraging community members to take charge of addressing the root causes of these problems. He added that recent violent protests are the result of decades of failed leadership in the north.